1. Swing Alignment Basics
The two main issues that directly affect golf swing alignment are the target line and the stance or body line. Before you can align your golf stance, you first must establish the target line or more simply put, where you intend to hit the golf ball. The target line is an imaginary line between the golf ball and your target on the course. The body line is the placement of your stance in relation to this line.
2. Body Position
Proper golf swing alignment is about having your body positioned in the correct direction for the shot to be successful. Too many times golfers will try to fix the swing mechanics when in reality it's their alignment that is faulty and not the mechanics of the swing. It makes sense--if your body is not pointing in the correct direction then the shot will follow the misdirection of the swing alignment no matter what the mechanics of the golf shot.
3. Alignment Check
If you are having trouble getting the correct golf swing alignment, use the golf club to check target line. Establish your stance for the golf shot as you normally would and then place a golf club directly in front of your toes. Then step back and verify that the club is pointing directly at the target on the golf course. If the club is pointing parallel but slightly left of the target then your swing alignment is correct. Understand you do not want to point your stance directly at the target or your swing will be to the right of the target.
4. Fixing Your Alignment
To fix your golf swing alignment, first identify the place on the course you want to hit the shot. Then, grab two clubs out of your golf bag. Lay the first club down with one end pointing directly at the shot target and the other end close to golf ball you are about to hit. Place second club parallel to the first club and remove the other club. Now you have one club on the ground that is slightly to the left of the target. Next establish your stance directly behind this second golf club. Your swing alignment should be true to the target.
5. Diagnosing Shot Issues
Once you have the swing aligned correctly, the direction of the shot can indicate problems with how you are hitting the golf shot. If the alignment is correct and the ball goes to the right of the target, then you are probably moving the body too much laterally during the swing causing you to miss the target. Conversely, if you hit the shot to the left of the target you are pulling the shot. A pulled shot indicates the use of too much arm strength on the shot that will cause the golf ball to veer left on the shot.
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